E2 report shows Q2 gain in biomass energy jobs

Nonprofit business group Environmental Entrepreneurs (E2) has released a report that illustrates clean energy jobs in the second quarter of 2013 were up slightly when compared to the same period of last year. According to the report, titled “Clean Energy Works for US: 2013 Second Quarter Clean Energy/Clean Transportation Jobs Report,” one new biofuel project announced during the quarter could result in 100 new jobs. A biogas power project was also announced during the second quarter. That project could be responsible for 200 jobs.

The report shows that more than 38,600 clean energy and clean transportation jobs connected to at least 58 projects were announced during the second quarter, up from the 37,400 jobs tracked by E2 during the same period of last year.

According to the report, California led during the quarter with 12 biofuel, wind, solar and transportation projects. Together, those dozen projects could create more than 9,000 jobs.

The report highlights Sapphire Energy Inc.’s green crude farm in Columbus, N.M., noting that phase one of the project created 634 full-time jobs. The company currently employs 150 people, said E2 in the report. An additional 30 workers are expected to be hired by 2014, including scientists, algae farm managers, and refinery technicians.

"Clean energy jobs are alive, well and growing," said Judith Albert, executive director of E2, in a press release. "Smart policies like renewable energy standards at the state level, coupled with federal policies like President Obama's climate change initiative, promise to keep that growth going."

The Clean Energy Works for US website, a project of E2, provides details of clean energy job announcements tracked by E2. According to data published to the website, more than 1,200 biomass and biogas power jobs were announced in 2012.